Gyula Péter [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Key findings of the report include:

• A Positive ‘Referendum Effect’ Fails to Materialise. There has been no positive ‘referendum effect’ on public attitudes after the June 2016 EU vote, of the kind witnessed after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. Claimed interest in (53%) and knowledge (49%) of politics have declined (by four and six percentage points respectively) compared to last year. Satisfaction with the system of governing Britain has barely changed and remains low at 31%.
• Changes in Political Behaviour? Although the public’s attitudes are proving hard to shift, there are some positive signs of change in political behaviour. After the high turnout in the EU referendum, people’s certainty to vote remains at a high watermark. There are also signs of some improvements in public engagement with Parliament. Just over half the public say they have engaged with Parliament in some way in the previous 12 months – a 10-point increase on last year.
• Perceptions of Parliament. The public clearly value Parliament, with a substantial majority (73%) believing it is essential to democracy. However, overall satisfaction with the way Parliament works (30%) is now six points lower than when the first Audit was published in 2004. Claimed knowledge of Parliament has declined by seven points from last year to 45%, but remains higher than at the same stage of the political cycle after the 2005 and 2010 elections. In relation to its core functions, the public think Parliament could do a better job of scrutinising the use of public money, representing ordinary people’s interests, and encouraging public involvement in politics.
• The EU Referendum Support for more referendums has declined by 15 points. But a clear majority of British people (61%) still think referendums should be used more often for determining important questions. Eighty-eight percent of UKIP supporters support the use of more referendums compared to just 42% of Lib Dems who say the same, while the views of Labour and Conservative supporters are broadly identical (59%).  On top of this, just 43% claim to feel knowledgeable about the EU, a rise of just five points since last year’s study.

To read the report in full click here. To find out more about The Hansard Society, their work and publications visit www.hansardsociety.org.uk

Taken from the Parliament Website

Wednesday 3 May 2017 – Dissolution of Parliament

A proclamation will be made announcing when Parliament will meet after the general election and setting the date of the Queen’s Speech at State Opening.

Writs will be issued for elections in the UK’s 650 constituencies.

• Find out more about dissolution

Thursday 11 May 2017 – Deadline for the delivery of nomination papers

Deadline for candidates to deliver nomination papers to Returning Officer (4pm) and deadline for candidates to withdraw (4pm).

•  Find out more about standing in an election

Monday 22 May 2017 – Voter registration deadline

This is the cut-off date for UK citizens aged 18 or over to register to vote in the general election.

It also marks the deadline for voters to apply for a postal or a proxy vote.

Candidates’ nomination papers must be delivered to the local returning officer. Any candidate wishing to withdraw must do so on this date.

Election agents, who ensure the proper management of each candidate’s campaign, must also be appointed.

• Find out more about registering to vote

Tuesday 23 May 2017 – Deadline for postal vote applications

5pm on this day marks the deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes.

• Find out more about the different ways to vote

Wednesday 31 May 2017 – Deadline for proxy vote applications

Deadline for applying for a proxy vote (except for emergency proxies) at 5pm.

Election day and results

Thursday 8 June 2017 – Polling day

Polling booths will be open between 7am and 10pm. Counting of votes will begin when the polls close.

The Return of Parliament

Tuesday 13 June 2017 – Parliament is expected to return for the election of the Speaker

Election of the Speaker of the House of Commons

The Speaker is elected on the first day that the House meets after the General Election.

• Find out more about the election of the Commons Speaker

Swearing in of MPs will take place on subsequent days

When Parliament returns, MPs start swearing the Oath of Allegiance or making an Affirmation in the Commons.

Members of the House of Lords start swearing the Oath of Allegiance or making an Affirmation in the Lords.

• Find out more about the Oath of Allegiance and the solid affirmation

State Opening of Parliament

Monday 19 June 2017 – The Queen’s Speech 2017

The Queen’s Speech is delivered at the State Opening of the new Parliament.